I was seven years old when Superman: The Movie was released to movie theaters to a bombastic response. At the time, comic book movies were almost non-existent and the execution of the source material was anything other than positive. Under the direction of director Richard Donner and his commitment to “verisimilitude,” Christopher Reeve soared as Superman.
Despite performances by several actors, Reeve will always be my Man of Steel and has never been truly captured well (with the exception of the ridiculously expensive Hot Toys figure) until now. NECA released both a 7″ and 18″ version that’s extremely fragile and features limited poseability, so when I saw the information regarding the release of this figure from Mezco, it was an immediate must have.
Retailing for $125, the price seemed more than reasonable for what it included. I had high hopes that this being my first Mezco figure I wouldn’t be disappointed.
I’m happy to say I wasn’t.
The figure is packaged in a large tin featuring the art of the original movie poster. Inside the figure and accessories are securely packaged in a clear clam shell.
The figure itself stands approximately 6.25″ with a solid musculature that seems consistent with Reeve’s athletic body type rather than an exaggerated or bulked up physique (such as Cavill’s Superman). Articulation is pretty generous, with the ability to manipulate the shoulders, elbows, and wrists; as well as the waist, thighs, hips, knees and ankles. The neck is also pretty awesome, allowing an enormous amount of tilt. The character also comes with a total of five right and four left hands, ideal for posing in dozens of configurations.
Although advertised with two heads, the figure actually shipped with three.
A standing hero face, one with a slight smirk and a smiling piece that comes across poorly (the teeth throw the entire face off.
Other accessories include a chain with Kryptonite, a hunk of Kryptonite (modeled after it’s appearance in Superman III), and three Fortress of Solitude crystals (two clear and one green). Superman’s costume is a near perfect replica of the one worn in the films.
The cape also features the yellow version of his crest on the back and is wired along the outer front edge, allowing it to be manipulated into some action poses. The only criticism of the costume is that it fits awkwardly in certain areas. The sleeves could be a little longer, making the hand joints visible. The trunks are a little large, which combined with the leggings (which are tight enough to spotlight a joint on the figure’s thighs), come across as a little cumbersome.
Another fantastic feature is the base, which replicates the knowledge center of his Fortress of Solitude. The base lights up (the switch is underneath the base) and the included crystals slide into one of the center’s crystal tubes.
The set also includes a peg base for either just the figure or for clear arm which you can use to simulate Superman in flight.
All in all, an impressive release that despite a few mild caveats, earns my highest recommendation.
